distortion bridge with ebony fretboard

[blindedbysilence]

Looking through the forum I noticed that it is not always a good idea to pair a ceramic magnet with an ebony fretboard. What is the logic or reason for this? I am planning to put a distortion/59 combo in my les paul gothic and wondered if this would affect the sound of the guitar in a negative way. Thanks.

 

[St-Jimmy]

Re: distortion bridge with ebony fretboard

I could be wrong, but I think the pairing might not seem to be a good idea because the ebony fretboard has the characteristics of a maple and rosewood fretboard. I think with the maple fretboard being pretty bright sounding, and the distortion being bright already as is, it might be a little rough on the highs. But the Goth has a mahogany body, does it not? It should be pretty warm and work well with the distortion. I'll leave it to someone who has more experience on here for a more accurate explanation, but thats my two cents.

 

[Travis]

Re: distortion bridge with ebony fretboard

It's a myth. The Distortion sounds great with just about anything.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: distortion bridge with ebony fretboard

It's a myth. The Distortion sounds great with just about anything.

Agreed. Hundreds if not thousands of Jackson, Hamer, ESP, Les Paul Custom, et.al. players enjoy their Ebony boards with A Duncan Distortion... Why shouldn´t you

 

[blindedbysilence]

Re: distortion bridge with ebony fretboard

Thats what I thought. But thought I would make sure. Thanks guys.

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: distortion bridge with ebony fretboard

The Demon in my Gothic SG sucks compared to the Demon in my SG X. And I believe its the ebony fretboard that makes it sound much thinner and hollow than the Rosewood board on my SG X. The '59 neck in my Goth is great. I think I'll be replacing the Demon in my Goth with a Custom.

 

[Neeradj]

Re: distortion bridge with ebony fretboard

Define negative, your Goth LP will sound a bit brighter. The ebony fretboard has a bit of a spike to it, and with the Goth LPs I've tried it might sound a bit grainy which isn't necessarily a bad thing, George Lynch had a grainy tone which many people loved. An ebony fretboard does color your guitar's sound, in my case for the better, but seeing you're looking for a more high output pup I'd personally go for a Custom instead.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: distortion bridge with ebony fretboard

I have had a few ebony fretboard guitars and it does give a rather bright, clean, tonal response. I think the lesser stiff response of an alnico magnet goes better with the typical dry attack of ebony fretboards. A ceramic magnet may work fine, but alnico may work better?

 

[Mike D]

Re: distortion bridge with ebony fretboard

I have a Duncan Distortion in my Carvin DC200 that has an ebony fingerboard and it works out beautifully! It is definately not too bright and suits my needs very well. I'm a big fan of the Distortion.

 

[Danglin' Fury]

Re: distortion bridge with ebony fretboard

Amen brother MikeD. The Distortion is a phenomenal pickup for metal no matter what fretboard. If it's too bright, turn down the treble!
And remember, poop stinks, and so do dead people!